Is Ombudsman or Jan Lokpal Bill enough?

Is an ombudsman, who can investigate independently on a complaint against government officials or a strong Jan lokpal bill sufficient to eradicate corruption? Yes and a No.

Yes, as it is a step forward towards eradication. The body would not only directly function to curb corruption but it would also investigate and act for complaint of corruption which would further instill a sense of fear in the minds who would want to bribe.

No, for the simple reason that no law can actually eradicate evils that exist in society. It can only help in reducing the crime to an extent. Thus, it will just be another body or forum which would help to reduce corruption but may not eradicate it completely.

I have recently come across an incident which makes me feel that will take serious time before we see a nation where government officials serve their citizenry. And I state this with deepest sentiments since this incident marks a serious dent into my mind that believed that every individual, other than officials inside parliament, carry similar national sentiments as that of Anna. For all these days, i have only seen people who are deeply touched by Anna Hazare's act and his sincere effort towards ensuring a corrupt free nation.

For the first time, i came across enamored individuals dastardly attacking Anna'a action with words. Abusing the purity and serenity of an individual who always addressed his supporter and followers at maidan with broad chest and smiling face envisioning a nation that shall prosper with its richness.

For these officials (comes under central ministry of .....oh yes government officials) Anna's movement is leading to a serious revenue loss on a daily basis. They feel government need not feel insecure as it has all the ammunition's (bhais bhi hamari and lathi bhi hamari phir kaisa dar referring to CBI & Police) that can protect and shield their action even if a strong lokpal exists. I was astonished at their extreme views as one of these officials felt that he (Anna) must be assassinated as his movement's growing fervor would lead to national awakening taking away daily bonuses of these crooks.

Their entire conversation has left me bewildered and i kept wondering with several doubts cast over my mind about the effectiveness of Jan Lokpal Bill. May be we do not need a Jan Lokpal Bill, if we all commit to ourselves that we will not involve ourselves into any illegitimate profits. But then we may not need any law either, if people do not commit any crime.